I'll be racing the Elantra 4-Ever, the wife has decreed! Options

[Midnightsky]

I can't wait to start Auto-x next spring, I've almost got all the parts here and then I'm driving 3 hours for install. Should be a good looking drop and I hope it feels good too.

[Toecutter]

Thread resurrection:

Because of my Wife's dislike (hate really) of the rock-hard K-Sports on the Elantra in STS trim, forever may be shorter than I thought. I may be able to convince her, with her comfort in mind of course, to allow me to start looking for something to race in one of the stock classes in the next year or two. So far the cars of interest are the 2009 Lancer RalliArt ($25k), the Genesis Coupe ($25k), the Suzuki Swift Sport ($15k), and the Mazdaspeed 3 ($22k). Yes, I know that I will likely be changing struts and springs, but I think that I can get one of those cars to be competitive and still provide a compliant ride.

[Silentwolf]

Speed 3 has already been proving its mettle in the autox.

I think the Ralliart would be good esp with the AWD, and i do believe a tune is allowed in some of the stock levels.

[Bobzilla]

Have you considered a switch to H&R's on Tib struts? Much better ride but a great handling spring. Plus it's much cheaper than buying a whole new car.

Oh, and if a new car is inevitable, my vote goes to the SX4 Sport.

[Toecutter]

Bob, I think that you misunderstand me. It is not my intention to put any more money into the Elantra, or make the Elantra a better riding car for DD. I am envisioning a possible opportunity for a major upgrade under the guise that I can get a competetive car that will not require STS level modifications (rock hard coilvers). I would have a more capable tool, and my wife would enjoy the ride a bit more.

SX4 Sport Bob? Same Weight and power as the Elantra. I just don't see it being competitive in any class. Why not the Swift Sport? I think that the Swift Sport might give the Mini Coopers a real hard time in GS.

I am currently leaning heavily towards the Mazdaspeed 3. My only concern about the Mazdaspeed 3 is that it is FWD and limits boost in the first two gears, but if it is winning races, then why not. It's a lot of bang-for-the-buck and it would also make a superb track car. Also, you can get all kinds of Mazdaspeed goodies, including suspension, that are all covered under warranty if you have the dealer install them. I like the Lancer RalliArt a lot but it seems a bit underpowered for its weight, just like the new Subaru WRX. The genesis Coupe is going to be heavy too. Nice power will be available with the V6, but I don't know what it will be like in transitions.

Mazdaspeed 3:
263 hp
280 lb-ft torque
3180 lbs curb weight
12.1 lbs/hp

'09 Lancer RalliArt:
235 hp
253 lb-ft torque
3462 lbs curb weight
14.7 lbs/hp

'08 Subaru WRX
224 hp
226 lb-ft torque
3200 lbs curb weight
14.3 lbs/hp

'10 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
310 hp
263 lb-ft torque
3549 curb weight
11.4 lbs/hp

'10 Suzuki Swift Sport
125hp
109 lb-ft torque
2447 lbs curb weight
19.6 lbs/hp

Mini Cooper
118 hp
114 lb-ft torque
2546 lbs curb weight
21.6 lbs/hp

Suzuki SX4 Sport
143 hp
136 lb-ft torque
2668 lbs curb weight
18.7 lbs/hp

'06 Elantra GT
138 hp
136 lb-ft torque
2635 lbs curb weight
19.1 lbs/hp

[Silentwolf]

Thought the speed 3 was heavier.

But ya i'd say Speed3 or Ralliart.

[Bobzilla]

IIRC, the Elantra weights are overly optimisitic. Mine without me in it is almost 2800lbs. The SX4 Sport feels. . . lighter. Ad in the fact that there are already PCM upgrades, exhaust and intakes available for that little 2.0L engine to push power into the 140's at the wheel and a decent suspension it would be a good car to play with. Drive one to see if you even like it. I've only been in an auto version, but the suspension is identical.

I haven't even heard about the Swift Sport. . . need to look into that.

[Toecutter]

The Swift Sport will be coming in 2010. Here is a link to Fifth Gear's review for you to look at when you get your DSL hooked up: Suzuki Swift Sport

By the time that I am in the market, I am sure that there will be some more road tests for the SX4 available, and I assure you that I will be looking at them closely.

At the top of my list so far is the Mazdaspeed3 and the '09 RalliArt. The Genesis coupe comes in third, but with the SE model, things like 4-pot Brembos, LSD, and what Hyundai is calling "Track Tuned" suspension (whaterver the heck that means), I'm definitely keeping my eye on this one. My only question is with all of that high performance hardware, why are they putting 19" wheels on it? Geesh... what Hoosiers am I going to be able to spoon on those? I don't think I can change the wheel size and stay in stock class.